Penthouse Pauper

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Penthouse Pauper" by Molly Hatchet, a gritty southern rock anthem from their 1980 album Beatin’ the Odds, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging the vibe. This track, a cover of a 1969 Creedence Clearwater Revival song written by John Fogerty, was given a heavier, more muscular treatment by Molly Hatchet, with its bluesy riffs and raw energy. According to a 1980 interview in Sounds magazine, guitarist Dave Hlubek shared that the band chose to cover "Penthouse Pauper" because it resonated with their working-class ethos, reflecting the struggle of having big dreams but no money to back them up. He noted, "It’s about wanting to be the best at whatever you do, even if you’re broke—that’s us." The song’s inclusion on the album was a nod to their influences, though some critics, like those at Albumrock, called it a solid but unremarkable addition compared to the band’s original tracks.

Another tidbit comes from a 2008 liner note in the remastered Beatin’ the Odds by Rock Candy Records, where producer Jon Astley revealed that the studio sessions for "Penthouse Pauper" were fueled by late-night jam sessions at Bee Jay Recording Studios in Orlando. The band’s new vocalist, Jimmy Farrar, brought a gruffer edge to the track, which some fans on the Molly Hatchet Fan Club Facebook group still debate as either a bold reinvention or a step down from the original Danny Joe Brown era. A rare live version of the song, recorded at the Lakeland Civic Centre in Florida on New Year’s Eve 1980, was included as a bonus track in the 2008 reissue, showcasing the band’s electrifying stage presence. Fans on X often share clips of these live performances, praising the triple-guitar assault that defined Molly Hatchet’s sound.

Molly Hatchet got their start in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1971, when guitarists Dave Hlubek and Steve Holland began jamming together, inspired by southern rock pioneers like The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. According to their bio on their official website, the band’s name came from a legendary tale about a prostitute named Hatchet Molly, who supposedly mutilated her clients, adding a dark, rebellious edge to their identity. By 1975, the lineup solidified with vocalist Danny Joe Brown, drummer Bruce Crump, and guitarists Duane Roland and Banner Thomas, alongside Hlubek and Holland. They honed their craft in local bars, building a loyal following with their high-energy performances and distinctive triple-guitar sound. Their big break came in 1978 when they signed with Epic Records after being discovered by manager Pat Armstrong, who also worked with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Their debut album, Molly Hatchet, went platinum, cementing their place in the southern rock scene.

The band’s connection to their fans, the Zoo Freaks’ southern rock cousins, remains strong through their active presence on social media. You can follow them on Facebook, where they post tour updates and vintage photos, or on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. Their X account shares fan interactions and occasional throwback posts about tracks like "Penthouse Pauper." For deeper fan engagement, the Molly Hatchet Fan Club on Facebook is a hub for Zoo Freaks to swap stories, share bootleg recordings, and plan meetups at concerts. Another fan-driven site, Molly Hatchet’s Fan Zone, offers a space for devotees to connect and celebrate the band’s legacy. Despite lineup changes and the passing of key members like Hlubek and Brown, Molly Hatchet continues to tour, keeping the spirit of southern rock alive for fans worldwide.